Hints from Heloise: 'Al dente' pasta still a little bit firm

Hints from Heloise

May 1, 2013 12:01 AM

Hints from Heloise

May 1, 2013 12:01 AM

Dear Heloise: What does the term "al dente" mean when you are cooking pasta? -- Clark R.

Dear Clark: "Al dente" is an Italian term that translates as "to the bite" or "to the tooth," and it means the pasta is firm when you bite into it, but still a little tender. Just a few seconds can make the difference in whether or not pasta is overcooked.

Keep in mind it will continue to "cook" (and soften up) after removing it from the heat. So, if you are cooking it and it's going to be a short while until it's served, I think it's wise to undercook it a little. Here's how to tell:

When the pasta starts to soften, take out a piece and bite into it or pinch it in half. As soon as it is tender to bite through, with just a dot of the white starch showing in the middle, it will be al dente when served a little later. If serving immediately, pinch a piece, and if you see no white dot, it's done.

Some may disagree with me about the cooking until done, but think about it -- if you cook until done, wait a few minutes to drain, add hot gravy or sauce and serve in only five to 10 minutes, it's still cooking. -- Heloise

Dear Readers: Which of the following fruits has the most fiber per serving?

A) One medium apple (with peel)

B) One medium orange

C) 1 cup blueberries

D) 1 cup raspberries

The answer is D, raspberries, with 8 grams of fiber per cup. Blueberries have 3.5 grams, an orange 3.4 grams and an apple 3.3 grams. Fiber is important in your diet. -- Heloise

P.S.: You may be getting your fruits and vegetables by drinking a liquid, but are you getting fiber? Check the labels.

Dear Heloise: My 3-year-old grandson loves to bake with me. When making cutout cookies, I frost them, but I had to find something "easy" for him to put sprinkles on the cookies. I buy the sprinkles in tubs, so I needed a shaker.

I tried salt and pepper shakers, but they had too many holes to make the cookies look good. I have a small, plastic toothpick canister with one hole in the top. It's great, and if he drops it, no broken glass. He can shake the sprinkles, and just enough comes out, with minimum mess. We have had many wonderful baking days together, and he does a great job. -- Kathleen A. in New York